China News Agency, Moscow, February 28 (Reporter Tian Bing) The Russian and Ukrainian delegations held negotiations in Gomel Oblast, Belarus on February 28.
This is the first public contact between the two sides since the Russian military launched a special military operation in Ukraine on the 24th.
It is reported that the negotiation lasted for 5 hours, discussed some key issues, and reached an intention for the next round of negotiations.
Podoljak, adviser to the Chief of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said after the talks on the 28th that the delegations of the two sides conducted the first round of negotiations in Gomel Oblast, the main purpose of which was to discuss the ceasefire in Ukraine and the cessation of hostilities.
The two sides identified a series of priority issues.
In order for these decisions to have some chance of being implemented, delegations from both sides will return to their respective capitals for the necessary consultations.
He also said that the two sides discussed the possibility of holding a second round of negotiations in the near future.
According to the TASS news agency, the head of the Russian delegation and assistant to the Russian president Mekinsky said after the negotiation that Russia and Ukraine had found some points of view that could predict a common position.
“The five-hour negotiation with Ukraine has just ended. During the negotiation, we discussed everything on the agenda and found some common positions that we can predict. Most importantly, we are sure that we will continue with the next round of negotiations. He said the delegations of both sides would consult with the leaders of the two countries separately on all negotiating positions.
He also revealed that the next round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine is tentatively scheduled to be held on the border between Belarus and Poland.
Mekinsky had earlier said that the Russian delegation was ready for open-ended talks with Ukraine.
He also revealed that the negotiation has been rescheduled many times, and the negotiation location has been renegotiated many times.
The Russian delegation was led by Presidential Assistant Mekinsky and included Deputy Foreign Minister Rudenko, Deputy Defense Minister Fomin, and Chairman of the State Duma International Affairs Committee Slutsky.
Members of the Ukrainian delegation include Defense Minister Reznikov, Adviser to the Office of the President Podoljak, Chairman of the Parliamentary Group of the Servant of the People, Arahamia, First Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Delegation of the Contact Group on the Donbas Issue Kostin, members of parliament Umerov and Deputy Foreign Minister Tocicki.
The live video before the official start of the negotiations showed that the Russian and Ukrainian delegations were on both sides of the negotiating table.
Belarusian Foreign Minister Makei told the negotiators of both sides that according to the agreement reached with the Russian-Ukrainian President, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko instructed to make every effort to ensure the work of the delegation.
He stressed that all participants could be reassured about security issues and expressed hope that the negotiations would facilitate a resolution of the crisis.
He then left the venue with the live media.
After the Russia-Ukraine talks, Makei said that the organization of this round of negotiations is very difficult, especially at this stage, but it is very important that both sides are ready at a certain stage.
He added: "This meeting is necessary for continued contact, which may help resolve all current crisis issues." (End)